Of cyclones and MAPping

Last week was a bit tense. All week Sharlene and I had been getting prepared for Zemiel's MAP (on Friday). We'd booked our flights, organised a dog sitter, packed our bags and created an itinerary for the trip to Brisbane. At the same time, cyclone Ului decided it was time to hightail it towards the coast straight at Bowen/Procerpine! So anything that might have caught the wind, or blown away or could have damaged something else was stowed away. Budgies put in a safe place and windows secured.

Zem's map went quite well. He responded well and was sufficiently recovered from his sickness to concentrate for the time period required (about 2 hours). Azi slept. He has played with his left ear a bit since the map, so we've ended up turning it down. He seems to be more content with that.

We stayed with Roseanne and Piotr each night. On Sabbath we spent time with Roni and her friend Donna. We went to Mt. Gravatt Church on the Brisbane Adventist College grounds. Sharlene and I were both recognised (we had gone there a few times about 10 years ago). After the service, we picnicked at a park nearby and Zem loved the playground there. We met another family there who had a son with 'Apraxia' and who used Makaton to communicate with him. After this we went down to the bay, but it was a bit dreary and overcast. Finally, we farewelled the ladies and returned back to where we were staying. Rose and Piotr spent the day at the boating and fishing expo.
Auntie Rosie with Azariah.

Zem getting tickles from mum.

"Look at me!"

Notice that Piotr is holding Azi - and smiling...kind of.

Roni, Shar and boys at Brisbane Airport.

The weather was on our minds the whole time while we were away. Would our return flights to Proserpine be delayed or cancelled? Would our car be alright? It was parked out in the open. Would there be any flooding at the airport? There has been incidents when Proserpine airport has been cut off from the highway due to flooding. Thankfully all these things proved to be alright. The return flight was delayed an hour and a quarter. The car was well placed and God's protection was over it - no branches landed on it. Water levels were high but there was none on the road.

The following images would be more informative rather than me trying to describe the aftermath of Ului.
These pictures were taken at the Whitsunday Airport carpark.